What drives someone to run 100 miles through rugged mountain trails, facing darkness, exhaustion, and pain? For Christopher Porcaro, the answer is simple: purpose. This September, the Seattle-based father and outdoor enthusiast completed the Mountain Lakes 100-mile ultramarathon in Oregon, raising over $6,200 for UNITY and Indigenous Earth, two organizations dedicated to supporting Native youth […]
“Leading Through Knowledge: Natalie Battiest’s Path to Empowering Native Communities” The power of research as a tool for transformation is at the heart of Natalie Battiest’s leadership as a UNITY 25 Under 25 honoree. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, her dedication to community-based research highlights how Native youth can inspire progress, […]
Throughout October, Georgia Adeline Harjo (Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Choctaw Nation, Seminole Nation, Cheyenne Tribe), a UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee, demonstrated the heart of servant leadership by uplifting her community, empowering her peers, and sharing her culture with young people across Oklahoma. Celebrating and Teaching at Community Events Georgia began the month by participating in […]
Commitment to fostering wellness and connection defines Jamie Crowe’s leadership, even amidst a busy schedule. As Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, their September work with a local youth council demonstrated how staying grounded in tradition can inspire the next generation of Native youth. “Being connected with my youth council during a […]
Male Co-President Watson Whitford Inspires Unity and Wellness in Native Communities Watson Whitford’s role as Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee demonstrates leadership grounded in connection and wellness. As a Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader, his advocacy for cultural preservation and mental health exemplifies UNITY’s mission to develop Native youth spiritually, mentally, […]
As a dedicated servant leader, Marla Mesarina, UNITY’s Midwest Regional Representative, has been a shining example of how youth can lead transformative efforts in their communities. Representing the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Marla’s work is deeply rooted in promoting holistic wellness—spanning social, mental, physical, and spiritual health—and making a lasting […]
Education at Pyramid Lake Jr/Sr High School isn’t confined to textbooks – it’s enriched by Native culture and driven by student initiative. Native American students are taking active roles in preserving and sharing their heritage on campus. They organize cultural clubs, invite elders and speakers, and ensure that Paiute language and traditions have a visible […]
For Watson Whitford, the National UNITY Council Male Co-President and a proud member of the Chippewa Cree and Navajo Nations, leadership means more than guiding others—it’s about grounding himself in tradition, serving his community, and inspiring other young Native men to find their strength through culture. Watson’s journey this summer has been one of deep […]
For O’Shay Birdinground, an Apsáalooke youth leader and Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is more than holding a position—it’s about being a mentor, preserving culture, and fostering community pride. Through his active involvement in powwows and cultural celebrations, O’Shay demonstrates how Native traditions not only shape personal identity but […]
In a historic moment during the National UNITY Council’s (NUC) business meeting in Portland, Oregon, Native youth leaders from over 300 youth councils came together to identify and adopt the Top Ten Issues facing Native youth for 2024-25. These issues reflect the most pressing challenges experienced by Native communities nationwide and serve as a call […]
